Wartburg College Athletics

Jawanza Holmes, a 2014 graduate, enters his second year on the coaching staff with the program in 2025.

Prior to his return to Waverly, Holmes spent time at Knox College, at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, and at Minnesota State Community and Technical College where he coached two All-American defensive linemen. Holmes also had a stint at Hudson High School in Hudson, Iowa after playing semi-professional football for the Des Moines Blaze and East Iowa Storm.

Prior to his time in the semi-pro ranks, Holmes started his career in coaching with an internship at Wartburg following his graduation. He was a four-year member of the football team, and the Knights won two conference championships. The 2013 squad made it to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Division III Football Playoffs.

Holmes graduated from Wartburg with a bachelor's in Sports Management.